Marking a major administrative rollout under the newly minted Excise Policy for 2026–27, Visakhapatnam district has been slated for the allotment of 52 A4 liquor retail shops through a transparent draw of lots, according to officials in Visakhapatnam.
The Statewide framework, which governs retail operations from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027, has initiated administrative preparations across coastal districts following the conclusion of the previous shop renewal window.
With unrenewed and non-functioning units reverting to the government pool, the port city and its surrounding mandals are witnessing high interest from aspirants. Across the entire State, a total of 807 shops—comprising 799 Open Category and 8 Reserved Category outlets—are heading to the draw.
Eligible applicants must be above 21 years of age, with no restriction on the number of shops or individual applications an aspirant can file. The application process commenced with the publication of district gazette notifications on September 24, and concludes at midnight on October 1, 2026.
Submissions can be completed via online, hybrid, or offline modes. Each application incurs a non-refundable fee of ₹3 lakh, alongside a ₹1,000 processing fee.
Scrutiny of the applications is slated for October 3, 2026. The official selection process requires a minimum threshold of four applications per notified shop for a draw to proceed. Where four or more applications are received, the District Collector will oversee the draw of lots on October 5, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. Successful candidates will be formally intimated on the same day.
The administration has also clarified that obtaining a Permit Room Licence is mandatory under amended Rule 14 for the operational establishment of these retail shops. Selected applicants may clear the annual Retail Excise Tax (RET) either as a lump sum or in four equal instalments.
Published – September 27, 2026 08:32 pm IST
